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Gauteng to Pilot ‘Self-Destructing’ Number Plates to Combat Crime

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Gauteng is set to revolutionize its road safety and crime prevention efforts with the introduction of advanced number plates. These innovative plates, equipped with cutting-edge security features, are designed to deter vehicle-related crimes and streamline the licensing process. The initiative, spearheaded by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, addresses a critical issue: the pervasive use of motor vehicles in criminal activities. From hijackings and theft to fraudulent activities, criminals often exploit vulnerable vehicle identification systems. The new plates aim to thwart these efforts by incorporating a self-destructing decal and a barcode for authentication. The bold red design of the plates and the inclusion of various security markings make them instantly recognizable and difficult to counterfeit. The barcode, linked to manufacturing information, enables authorities to verify the authenticity of each plate. Should anyone attempt to tamper with the plate, the self-destructing dec

Road Test Figures: Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance

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One of the quickest SUVs ever tested by CAR, the new Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S, with its 500 kW/1 020 N.m, recorded jaw-dropping performance figures on our test strip. Here’s a closer look… Image: CAR Looking for a new or used Mercedes-Benz? Find it here with CARmag!  A 2 360 kg SUV that sprints to the 100 km/h marker from a standstill in less than 3.5 seconds? Indeed, that is just what the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance achieved on our test strip. To be more specific, the pinnacle GLC completed the obligatory 0-100 km/h sprint in a whip-crack 3.41 seconds, making it one of the quickest SUVs ever tested by CAR. Related: Road Test Figures: Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance Undoubtedly impressive for a vehicle of its size, according to our test equipment, the GLC 63 S E Performance is a mere 0.04 seconds slower to 100 km/h from a standstill than the C63 S E Performance we tested in the July 2024 issue of CAR. Making the AMG GLC’s figure even more astounding is when taking into ac

VW Group Africa Goes Further off Grid at Kariega Plant with Solar Power

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Volkswagen Group Africa has made significant strides in its renewable energy initiatives, commissioning an additional 3 megawatts of solar power at its Kariega manufacturing plant in South Africa. This brings the plant’s total solar energy capacity to 5.9 MW, which is enough to power around 2 000 two-bedroom homes with electrical appliances and geysers. Image: Volkswagen Looking for a new or used Volkswagen? Find it here with CARmag! The move is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and increase the share of renewable energy in its operations. Volkswagen has now installed a total of 12 097 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels across the site, with 5 710 of these newly added to the employee car park. The first phase of the solar installation project began two years ago, with PV panels placed on the roofs of the Engine Plant and Final Assembly building. More panels are planned for the next phase of expansion. The company has invested nearly R100 million in

New Mitsubishi Triton Launches in SA — We Have Pricing!

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Following its reveal in 2023, the new Mitsubishi Triton has finally made landfall on South African shores, with the local arm of the Japanese automaker announcing pricing for the sixth-generation model. See pricing below… Image: Mitsubishi Looking for a new or used Mitsubishi? Find it here with CARmag! Ahead of its official local launch, we were handed the opportunity to sample the brand-new Mitsubishi Triton on South African shores. Now, the new iteration, in both single- and double-cab body styles, has finally touched down in SA. New Mitsubishi Triton Double Cab Price in SA Priced from R639 990, the double-cab Triton model range comprises nine derivatives, all of which employing a 2.4-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, coupled with the choice of a six-speed manual or an automatic transmission with the same number of cogs. 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains are available. As standard, all models ship with a five-year/unlimited km warranty and a service plan spanning the same durati

Porsche’s Sonderwunsch Special Will be the Final 911 Dakar Ever Produced

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Porsche has unveiled the final 911 Dakar, a one-of-a-kind Sonderwunsch Special that marks the end of the 2 500-unit production run for the rugged, off-road-ready 911. Finished in a striking Rallye Design Package, this unique model showcases a bespoke three-tone paint scheme, meticulously applied by hand. Image: Porsche Looking for a new or used Porsche? Find it here with CARmag! The lower half of the car is coated in Gentian Blue Metallic, while the upper section is painted in Signal Yellow. A thin line of Lampedusa Blue, named after the Italian island, separates the two colours and runs around the car’s curves. The Lampedusa Blue accents also appear on the wheels, where the spokes are painted in Signal Yellow and the rim edges are finished in Lampedusa Blue. The LED Matrix headlights feature a custom Lampedusa Blue accent ring, while black stainless steel protective elements are added to the front, rear, and sills. Image: Porsche Inside, the colour scheme continues with yell

Ticket sales for the 15th Simola Hillclimb are Officially Open

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Ticket sales for the 15th edition of the Simola Hillclimb in Knysna, are now open. Taking place from May 1st to 4th, 2025, the event promises thrilling action on the iconic Simola Hill as drivers battle it out for supremacy in the King of the Hill competition. Image: Simola Hillclimb General Admission For those looking to attend the event, General Entry tickets are available at R170 per day when purchased online, with a 3-day pass priced at R420. This pass covers the full experience, including Classic Car Friday on May 2nd and the two days of King of the Hill competition on May 3rd and 4th. For those purchasing tickets at the event itself , prices rise to R190 for daily access and R500 for the 3-day pass. Children under 12 enjoy free entry when accompanied by an adult. Pit Access & Grandstands For a closer look at the action, Pit Access tickets are available at R270 per day or R750 for the full 3-day experience when bought online. At the gate, these tickets will cost R30

Ford’s Wet Weather Testing Replicates Monsoon Conditions on Ranger Bakkies

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Summer has arrived across Southern Africa and with it comes the Highveld’s wettest season. With the drenching downpours, Ford has shared how to stay on the roads during these adverse conditions.  Image: Ford Looking for a new or used Ford Ranger? Find it here with CARmag! Derek Kirkby, Training Director at MasterDrive , underscores the importance of vigilance. “Many drivers exercise great caution in snow or off-road conditions but often underestimate the dangers of rain,” he notes. While responsible driving is crucial, your vehicle also plays a vital role in navigating adverse weather. Automotive quality and durability has become a paramount aspect for automakers in the past few decades with a spectrum of tests ensuring a new vehicle rolling off of the production line can withstand the elements across the spectrum. The Ford Ranger and Ranger Raptor are prime examples of vehicles designed to handle the we conditions with the “Leak Test”, which simulates extreme rain to guarantee t